Fluidigm Corporation
today announced the release of its 48.48 Access Array™ integrated fluidic
chip (IFC) for 454 FLX™ users active in Amplicon Tagging. This Access
Array IFC automatically generates emPCR-ready libraries by simultaneously combining
48 samples and 48 primer sets to produce 48 uniquely-barcoded samples per chip
for approximately $7 (U.S.) per sample.
Fluidigm’s Access Array IFC, when used with a 454 FLX sequencer, can
capture up to 12 kb of sequence data per sample, or 576 kb per array. Upcoming
applications on the Access Array system, such as long range PCR, will allow
for users to target up to 480 kb of sequence data per sample, or 23MB per array.
“Fluidigm’s Access Array System has already been adopted by users
around the world for targeted re-sequencing projects focused on research of
cancer, miRNA, and population genetics, where the ability to inexpensively sequence
large cohort studies is critical,” noted Mike Lee, Fluidigm’s Senior
Director of Marketing. “The flexibility, ease of use, and cost effectiveness
of our Access Array system will enable researchers to expand the scope of experiments
on next generation sequencers,” he added.
Sequencing library preparation for next-generation sequencers is by far the
most time and labor demanding component of the entire next-generation sequencing
process. While necessary for whole genome sequencing studies, the process can
be almost entirely eliminated for targeted re-sequencing projects through the
use of amplicon tagging. By incorporating the adaptor sequences into the primer
design, the final PCR product is ready to go into emPCR or onto the flowcell
since it already contains the necessary capture sequences.
Fluidigm’s new Access Array is the first IFC that features the ability
to harvest the sample out of the chip. Once the sample processing has been completed
in the chip it automatically returns the sample to the inlets where they can
be easily extracted and readied for sequencing.
Fluidigm develops, manufactures and markets proprietary Integrated Fluidic
Circuit (IFC) systems that significantly improve productivity in life science
research. Fluidigm’s IFCs enable the simultaneous performance of thousands
of sophisticated biochemical measurements in extremely minute volumes. These
“integrated circuits for biology” are made possible by miniaturizing
and integrating liquid handling components on a single microfluidic device (IFC).
Fluidigm’s systems, consisting of instrumentation, software and single-use
chips, increase throughput, decrease costs and enhance sensitivity compared
to conventional laboratory systems. Fluidigm products have not been cleared
or approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use as a diagnostic and
are only available for research use.